If your heating and cooling system is suddenly unresponsive, there’s a good chance that your thermostat could be responsible. It’s not unusual for a thermostat to suddenly fail, especially if it’s an older model that hasn’t been replaced in a while. Learn how you can find out whether or not your HVAC system needs a thermostat replacement.
Checking the Thermostat
When checking the thermostat, the first thing you want to do is make sure it’s powered up. Here are a few steps you can follow:
1. Take a look at the digital display. If it’s blank, then it’s not receiving power.
2. Check your home’s circuit breaker panel or fuse box and make sure the HVAC system’s breaker hasn’t been tripped or the fuse blown.
3. Remove the thermostat off the wall and replace the old battery with a fresh, fully charged battery.
If the above steps aren’t working, check the thermostat for signs of corrosion. If you see any corrosion, use a small piece of fine sandpaper to clean the exposed wiring and contacts. Don’t forget to tighten any loose wires you happen to encounter during the inspection.
Testing the Thermostat
Once you know the thermostat is capable of receiving power, you’ll want to make sure it can turn on your furnace or air conditioner. Start by making sure the thermostat is set to “heat” or “cool” and the fan setting is set to “auto.” Afterwards, you’ll want to raise or lower the thermostat temperature by 5 degrees.
Under normal circumstances, the thermostat will make an audible click as it turns on, with the furnace or air conditioner turning on shortly afterwards. If your HVAC system remains off even if the thermostat clicks, then there’s a good chance it’s not sending the proper signals.
It’s also a good idea to consider the placement of your current thermostat. Exposure to direct sunlight or draft can prevent the thermostat from working properly.
If you think your HVAC system needs a thermostat replacement, contact Arpi’s Industries. We proudly serve Calgary and the surrounding area.
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